Bold but necessary: Three reasons why Real Madrid should sell future Ballon d’Or hopeful | OneFootball

Recent reports from SPORT have suggested that Real Madrid’s dressing room is growing increasingly frustrated with Vinicius Jr., prompting Saudi Arabia’s football elite to become optimistic about securing the Brazilian forward in the summer transfer window.

Interestingly, this situation follows a series of on-field incidents and perceived behavioural issues that have impacted both his relationship with teammates and his performance on the pitch.

The tipping point reportedly came against Leganes. Vinicius left the dressing room without interacting with his teammates. Earlier, Luka Modric had expressed his displeasure with the forward’s defensive passivity.

Modric, despite being 39, covered significant ground to counter Leganes’ attack, prompting frustration towards Vinicius’ reluctance to help defensively.

To make matters worse, manager Carlo Ancelotti had also voiced his concerns after Vinicius argued with the referee, earning a yellow card and nearly risking a red.

Vinicius had started the match on the bench but was brought on at half-time, replacing Rodrygo. However, his confrontational attitude and tendency to prioritise individual plays over teamwork continue to create friction within the squad.

Problems with the teammates

Vinicius has clashed with his own teammates. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)

This isn’t an isolated incident. In a previous match against Espanyol, Vinicius reportedly complained about Dani Ceballos favouring plays on the right side, where Rodrygo was positioned.

He also expressed frustration with Fran Garcia for not passing the ball to him. These grievances are said to have tested the patience of both his teammates and the coaching staff.

Vinicius’ form on the pitch has also declined. While he had an impressive tally of 9 goals and 11 assists in the first 15 games, his performance has dipped significantly since October.

In his last 11 matches, he has managed just 7 goals, with five of them coming against weaker opponents like Osasuna and Salzburg. His assist count has also dwindled, with just 2 assists during this period.

The timing of his slump coincides with Rodrygo’s rise and Kylian Mbappe’s stellar form. Rodrygo has emerged as a more reliable option on the left wing, contributing to a more fluid attacking setup.

Meanwhile, Mbappe’s impact has been undeniable, with 13 goals in his last 14 matches, overshadowing Vinicius’ contributions.

Temperamental issues

Vinicius cannot control his emotions. (Photo by Aitor Alcalde/Getty Images)

Vinicius’ temperament has become a liability, particularly in La Liga. Opposing players often provoke him, leading to outbursts that have resulted in disciplinary issues.

A notable incident saw him lash out at Stole Dimitrevski during a match, requiring intervention from Antonio Rudiger to prevent further escalation.

Despite efforts from Ancelotti and his teammates to guide him, Vinicius continues to struggle with controlling his emotions.

Amidst all this, Saudi Arabian clubs have reportedly shown serious interest in the Brazilian. They are said to be offering a staggering €200 million per year over five years, with a potential €300 million transfer fee for Real Madrid.

Despite these enticing figures, Real Madrid president Florentino Pérez has pointed to the player’s €1 billion release clause, valid until June 2027.

Contractual situation

Real Madrid have a strong offer from Saudi Arabia for Vinicius. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

Contract renewal discussions between Real Madrid and Vinicius have hit a roadblock. While the club is willing to elevate him to the same status as Mbappe, Vinicius and his agent believe he deserves to be the highest-paid player.

Perez, however, is reluctant to disrupt the club’s salary structure.

With the rise of Mbappe, Rodrygo’s development, and Jude Bellingham’s growing influence, some within Real Madrid’s management believe selling Vinicius to Saudi Arabia might be a financially sound decision.

Such a move would provide funds to alleviate the financial burden caused by the ongoing Santiago Bernabeu renovation project.

As tensions persist, Vinicius’ future at Real Madrid remains uncertain, with both the club and the player needing to find a resolution to avoid further complications.